Obama toxic for Ohio Dems

When the fall 2014 campaign for Ohio governor rolls around, today’s controversy over a tax scofflaw being picked to be on the Democratic Party’s ticket will be a distant memory. In politics, such crises have a short shelf life.

To be sure, Ed FitzGerald, the expected Democratic nominee for governor, will be spending the next several weeks trying to explain to reporters how it was that he, an ex-FBI agent, could so royally botch the vetting of a potential lieutenant governor running mate. FitzGerald, Cuyahoga County executive, insists that he knew about Sen. Eric Kearney’s tax problems. However, his decision to part ways with Kearney — after the Columbus Dispatch and the Cincinnati Enquirer revealed some shocking details of the senator’s business tax debts — makes it clear that he either was not aware of the extent of the problem, or was blind to the political ramifications.

New search

Now, FitzGerald, who before the controversy was trailing Republican Gov. John Kasich by single digits in a major poll, is searching for a new running mate. Some Democratic Party insiders believe that the road to the governor’s mansion leads through the black community. They point to Barack Obama’s twice carrying the Buckeye State as proof that a Democrat can win statewide even though Republicans control all the administrative offices, from governor on down. The GOP also controls the General Assembly.

It could well be that Kearney’s being black trumped his tax problems — for FitzGerald and his campaign operatives.

But there’s nothing to suggest that the black voters who turned out for Obama in his re-election bid last year will come out for a white gubernatorial candidate.

Democrats may be better off disregarding the racial blend of the ticket, and, instead, focusing on issues that Republicans claim to own, such as patriotism. A candidate’s military service is an easy sell, especially in rural parts of the state.

But, even with the strongest ticket possible, the Ohio Democratic Party has a problem that will require a risky political move.

This headline appeared recently in the Columbus Dispatch: “Poll: Obama’s approval rating at an all-time low in Ohio.”

The story, written by veteran political reporter Joe Hallett, read in part:

“President Barack Obama’s approval rating has plummeted in Ohio to the lowest point of his presidency, a harbinger of trouble in the 2014 off-year election for Democrats in Ohio and across the country.

“Only 34 percent of Ohio voters approve of Obama’s job performance while 61 percent disapprove, according to a survey released yesterday by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

“It marked the lowest score for Obama in any Quinnipiac poll nationally or in any state.”

Given that the president’s low approval rating is directly tied to the Affordable Care Act — Obamacare — and the major failure of its website’s launch, the Republicans have a political gift for next year. If the Ohio Democratic Party publicly repudiates Obama, it may be able to win back Democratic voters who sat out the 2010 election for governor, thus handing victory to Republican Kasich.

Post-election analyses revealed that many Democrats were disenchanted with Obama and decided not to participate in the statewide election.

The result: Incumbent Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, a former member of Congress, lost re-election by a sliver.

Black backlash

But if Democrats decide to shun the president next year, there certainly will be a backlash from black voters in the heavily Democratic urban areas.

FitzGerald’s dropping the ball with regard to Kearney’s tax problems will seem like a minor glitch compared to what he faces with Obamacare.

Here’s how Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac polling institute, defined the problem in The Dispatch story:

“Clearly, much of the reason for the president’s decline in Ohio is Obamacare. Ohio voters oppose the Affordable Care Act 59 to 38 percent. Perhaps more significantly, voters say 45 to 16 percent they expect their own health care to be worse rather than better a year from now.”

And then Brown offered this observation about next year’s election:

“If voters still feel that way about their own situation come November 2014, that is likely to create a political playing field beneficial for Republicans. Voters still blame Republicans more for the government shutdown, but that issue’s salience is being dwarfed by the opposition to Obamacare.”

Comments

Like it or not, Kasich is a guaranteed 2 termer. A lot of reasons: 1. The Ohio Democratic Party is led by an idiot/narcissist-Chris Redfern has been a tragedy for the party. He was slaughtered in the 2010 state-wide ticket and should have been removed. However, Democrats prefer loyalty as opposed to intelligence, much like the genius of Mahoning County voters who continue to vote for a party who has literally corrupted away any hope for progress. 2. NOONE KNOWS WHO ED FITZGERALD IS. 3. Kasich will have 100 trillion dollars. 4. The recent brilliance of placing Kearney on the ticket simply because he is black doesn't matter-it is unfortunate but true- the African American vote is disproportionately low and the phenomena that occurs when Obama is on the Presidential ticket does not transcend to midterm elections therefore to insist on a black running mate is wasted effort and resource-its just math. The whole democrat push in this gubernatorial race is a joke and well-- amateurish. Race over. Bertram never say this-you actually were readable good for like 1 article a year pretty low average there bud.

Obamacare - a definite Christmas list of a plan that could eventually die of its own complexity. And Bert, at what dollar amount does a person have to owe the government before being called a tax scofflaw? How many such property tax scofflaws in Mahoning County, what is the total dollar amount owed the county and do any of them work at the Vindicator? Should the law abiding citizen be subjected to an increased county sales tax to make up that difference and the shortage caused by Kasich taking the wrecking ball to the Local Government Fund?

HaHa! Still don't know why folk think I'm the MC Dem. Party Chair. If you look at my early posts I am pretty critical of the guy. As Jerry said, "Once in awhile you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right"-However, most people think they know who Valleypolitics is despite his denials SOOOO. I guess that is the beauty of message Boards it allows us cowards to be bold. "Senator. We're all a part of the same hypocrisy' ahhhh quotes.

Knightcap, why do blacks vote democrat, really? ya think it might be because their chairman hasn't started voter suppression acts in 26 states? or maybe because democrats haven't taken the food out of the mouths of the working poor and the poor families and their children? or maybe, could it be, that president Obama wasn't overheard at a private dinner for the ultra rich saying he doesn't worry about the 47% of voters in the middle and poor classes, he cares only about the upper 1%? or maybe it also might be that democrats didn't cost taxpayers 23 billion dollars by shutting down the government? whadayathink? it sounds to me like too many of those knightcaps have softened your brain.

Joe6pack' s real identity is a f@!&^ing, delusional liar, because HE KNOWS he has never been told by myself that I am Dave Betras because I am not-Don't know who author50 is but he's usually spot on and very funny. How odd.

As for voter suppression its amazing to me that any attempt to assure voter identification and eliminate irregular voting activities is seen as suppression. I mean ya got an ID, you got utility bill? Its not hard. What are the individuals who oppose such practices hiding? There are countless documented attempts to illegally sway elections associated mainly with 1 party. Who was it that ACORN tried to GOTV for uhhhhhmmm... let me think.....uuhmm. oh yeah it starts with a D and ends with a T and its Democrats.

papa By your post I can see that you are a socialist just like OBAMMY. The working poor are in the situation that they created themselves. If they didn't quit learning in school they just might have decent job today. Secondly it 's become a life style of many in this valley to be on welfare, because they are now so use to Gov't freebies and they are just too lazy to find work. I suspect you are one of them. If the 1% didn't pay their taxes , not one of you would be eating remember that , it's not the Government money you are eating but the tax dollars of every working stiff. So get off your couch and help out and quit defending these welfare mob people

The issue that I take with those who support the current administration is the BLIND loyalty despite facts. Sorta like how he was re-elected with the god awful numbers related to the economy that were his and his alone to account for. Facts are not big BUT he's cool, he hangs out with celebrities. The saddest part is it seems our electorate wants a rock star not a leader-we are absolutely rudderless on the good ship Obama.

Minority Voter you need to have someone proofread your comments because "It don't matter" is improper grammar or to put it like you'll understand "make you sound dumb". WHICH I am sure you are. I made no racist comments and as opposed to evading the issue, why don't you do some homework, beginning with English, then move onto bigger subjects like the elections issues which clearly show that the African American community votes at incredibly low levels. Then I'm sure you'll figure out who you can blame that on and in the end continue to lose.

jmagaratz: Actually NUMBERS show that 93% of African Americans voted for Obama in the last election with 57% of whites doing the same. AFRICAN AMERICANS REPRESENT 12% OF THE POPULATION AND could never BE ENOUGH OF THE VOTE FOR A PRESIDENTIAL WIN WITHOUT WHITES DOING THE SAME. Further it shows that actually whites do not vote purely Republican SO wrong on that one. Also I did not say blacks only vote Democrat I said their turnout to vote AT ALL is low. But as I said you found some reason to explain this through blame. African americans traditinally do not go to the polls when there is no black candidate-in 2008 and 2012 they came out strongly-however AGAIN this does not transcend to midterms- which is the non racist point I made based onfacts which is being twisted by true racists to explain away reality. Mine is not an accusation its a math thing see. Further if your suggestion is that blacks vote in a manner of speaking purely becaues whites do not I cannot think of a more racially motivated, non-thinking, discriminatory practice. In other words blacks vote in some type of opposition/battle to and with whites? Well that's not racist is it?! Seems like your answer wins the stupid, bigotted award for the day. However candidates would be wise especially Republicans to attract Hispanic voters- again not based on class warfare as your comments attempt to initiate but on math- Next.....

To jmagaratz: After reviewing your comment I think I misunderstood your intention therefore I apologize if I was misguided about your intentions. You at least made me have to prove my point which is so rarely the case in these discussions.

Think the comment is simplistic , no offense. Agree that blacks vote primarily overwhelmingly democrat. However population breakdowns and demographics dont allow for a statistically significant statement like white people vote for republicans to be accurate. For instance you certainly cant suggest that in Mahoning County white people vote Republican. Know what I mean?

bottom line is that voters vote based on their own best interests--period....

politicians use "divide and conquer" as the means to solidify groups of voters around perceived "best personal interests"....example: use of term "welfare queen" term by white (mostly republicans) politicians to rally the white vote against the economically disadvantaged.....

evio: So very much concur with and appreciate your above comment. The office is always subject to criticism as it should be. However in 40 some years I have NEVER seen the ugliness that was directed at the Bush/Cheney administration and the venom that guided it. Of course current negatives aimed at the administration are due to the color of the actors and could never be based upon the failures of their policy! Sarcasm molding my statements.....

Wow papa so this is what you've come up with: I am someone I am not, I am a hacker. I am no Dave Betras this is the last time I will state that. You should stick to sports comments bro' although you are actually waaaaay off on most of those statements. Saw your above statements. So THE REPUBLICANS shut down the government?? Another genius: so if the Democrats were so opposed to shutdown why didn't they compromise? You see that's how the political system works. Democrats have utilized shutdown multiple times. Your numbers on costs are waaay off but its too deep a conversation to have with you. Going back to the Mitt Romney pre-campaign speech? Really. Newsflash Barack Obama's the President now and his approval numbers show that the majority of the country are most displeased with HIM. With regard to the poor-this administration has boasted the highest enrollment on welfare and food stamps for their failure to CREATE jobs. Unemployment rates that are historically bad and you still voted for that. You must not care about the poor. Finally, Barack Obama grew up in Kansas, Hawaii, went to Columbia and Harvard, vacations on Martha's Vineyard hangs out with Springsteen and Beyonce'. Ya you're right he sounds like he's really in touch with the needs of the working man. papa Let me know what else you need schooled in... bitch

Joe again, you are a liar about having been told who I am and you know it, but clear things up, what's your name if identities are so important to you. I thought you said you were told by the person you accuse me of being that he was in fact this writer??? What is it now you say its because of your ability to deduce writing styles. You lie so badly you forget your own falsehoods. I you post your name-I'Il post mine. Cmon tough guy-stick to your convictions I AM NOT DAVE BETRAS. DO you really believe that the ardent republican I am is just some intricate disguise??? Bet your a big grassy knoll conspirator. Another member of the nut brigade

How can you get 41% of ALL REGISTERED VOTERS EIVO? I'm registered, nobody called me. You mean 41% of registered voters who watch Fox News and responded, don't you? It is funny that you won't even read an article if it came from CNN, but u will attack all of those who doesn't take FOX News's word as the gospel. Polls from any source are garbage! All speculation until the polls close. For all of you who don't follow Eivo, two things says it all. 1. Until two weeks ago, he didn't even know that Obama couldn't run for President again, and 2. He complains about freeloaders, but does not have a job himself. Please form your own opinions, but if you are depending on him for knowledge, do yourself a favor and do your own research.

If you can read, I don't listen to ANY polls. What are they good for? They only take a small slice of the pie. You will never see me post any polling results, unless it is the actual results of the election polls. I have posted links with stats on it before from CNN, and you won't even read it because it came from CNN, so it is you who is so narrow minded that you will not even look at anything that doesn't come from a right wing source.

Another Theory by Joedickspack, I thought you said you were told by the Chair himself, another attempt to prove the untrue. Again you lie so much you cant keep track. Where and when were you told this by Betras and why would he tell you? Are you one of those political hacks who pretends to be someone's friend and then bashes him-very common among Mahoning County Dems.

Obama is not running again. The FIXED NOISE CHANNEL is making a big deal about his lousy approval rating. They made a big deal about his approval rating before he was SOUNDLY re-elected. FIXED NOISE said that no President in U.S. history was ever re-elected with an approval rating as low a Obama's. They forget to mention the four major things the Democratic Party has working in its favor:1. The Tea Party2. Rush The Crack Head3. Sarah Palin4. Megan Kelly & the KKK FIXED NOISE CHANNEL.

As long as the aforementioned stay in the public spotlight, they will push all independent / moderate voters to vote democratic. The dems are going to take the White House in 2016 AGAIN!!

I'm not for the first two. And Obama didn't cancel anyone's insurance. The insurance companies didn't re-offer the plan which happens all of the time. I have had my plan switched through my employer on numerous occasions because the previous years carrier or plan was discontinued. Now why would you be against a person who would like to do the responsible thing and buy insurance, but can't because their greedy insurance company dumped them and no other one will pick them up because of a pre-existing condition? Like you said before, you are not against raising min wage or extending unemployment benefits. Then why not just be for it instead of holding those people's lives hostage because you want to say, Not unless you repeal Obamacare. Would conservatives agree to doing away with guns, even though all of the mass shootings over the last few years? NO. Then why try to negotiate something so rediculous, that has no chance of passing?

Chicken Little, I am not saying not to negotiate ANYTHING, but to be reasonable when negotiating. For example, don't close down the government knowing that what you are asking for is unreasonable and not going to happen. Would conservatives give up gun rights to pass a law to lower taxes on everyone by 1%. No, because that isn't reasonable. My point is that you said you are okay with extending unemployment and increasing the min wage, so why do you have to get anything in return for it anyway if you are for it?

thats it, just win the majority in BOTH, then all the wars on men, children, women (maybe not women, GOP doesn't think highly of them), Christmas, religion, whites, small businesses,and the upper class will all come to an end. We might end up in 3 or 4 real wars instead of imaginary ones, but hey, you will be happy.

I see eivo, you can use polls from whatever source, AS LONG AS THE NUMBERS SAY WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO. Articals from CNN are not credible because Obama controls that media station, but now you can use a stupid poll. I guess the 2016 elections should be cancelled now, since Christie won the poll.

Good idea, I think we will go for the trifecta, do our jobs and get some stuff done for a change. I'm tired of rebubs wanting something until they find out the Dems want it to. Then they say, "no, not unless you give us this....."

A new Gallup poll finds President Obama’s approval rating at 39 percent and his disapproval rating at 54 percent. But it’s not just that the public is increasingly displeased with the job Mr. Obama is doing; they are growing weary of the whole packaged deal. They are frustrated with the president, his style, his attitude, his approach to the job.

The Boston Herald reports:

President Obama’s tanking approval rating in newly released polls shows Americans are tired of his whining, according to some experts, who also see a fighting chance for Republicans to rack up coast-to-coast victories in the 2014 midterm congressional races.

“We think of presidents as being morale leaders … and he goes out and complains,” according to Richard Benedetto, a retired White House correspondent and a journalism professor at American University. “He complains about the fact that he doesn’t get enough cooperation from the other side. ‘It’s not my fault, it’s the Republicans’ fault.’ And that message gets old for the American public. … It’s not a good sign for Democrats in Congress going into next year.”

No, it’s not. And here’s one of the many challenges facing Mr. Obama: Can he alter the patterns of a presidency? I ask because the president is a chronic whiner, a habitual complainer and excuse-maker. He relied on blame shifting for his entire first term, and I suspect it’s not merely a tactic for Obama. It is how he’s been conditioned, how he views the world and his place in it. He believes deep in his bones that every setback he encounters is due to outside forces. And so he has laid the blame for his failures on his predecessor, the congressional GOP, the Tea Party, conservative talk radio hosts, millionaires and billionaires, Wall Street, Japanese tsunamis, the Arab Spring, Fox News, and more. Those excuses no longer work–and because they don’t, one of the main political arrows has been removed from the Obama quiver.

It’ll be interesting to see if Mr. Obama is emotionally able to adjust to this new situation. My guess is he’ll try the same lines of attack–including portraying himself again and again as the only adult in a room of unruly children–even as most Americans believe his act has grown old and stale. And as the failures of the Obama presidency continue to multiply and his record of incompetence becomes even more indisputable, will Mr. Obama become more aggrieved, more prickly, and more detached from reality? The new year will go some distance toward answering whether you can teach a hubristic president new tricks. This much we know: the old ones have become tedious and monotonous.